Free Agent Analysis

Jason Klabacha

01/10/2003

<!--Default NodeId For John Davis is 292200,2002--><A HREF=[PlayerNode:292200]>John Davis</A> came into the 2002 season as the backup tight end, but due to injury he became a starter until he himself went down with a back ailment.

Davis started seven of the ten games he was active and caught 20 balls for an average of 9.7 yards per reception. In addition Davis was a threat in the red zone with TD catches. However, he was inactive for the final five games of the season with back spasms.

Lyman looked to be coming on until he suffered a season ending knee injury against the Packers, which also happened to be the best game of his pro career. Lyman caught two touchdown passes against Green Bay.

When Lyman went down Gilmore stepped in and did the job. The rookie, who was picked up off waivers midseason, had 10 receptions and averaged 13 yards per catch.

Gilmore looks like he could bring an end to the Bears search for a tight end. Known as a blocking tight end he showed good hands and flashes of being a downfield threat.

With Lyman out at least until training camp with his second severe knee injury it might be a good idea to retain Davis as a backup. He knows the system and won't command a ton of money.